Paris, Cannes and Burgundy are the usual go-to hotspots for travellers exploring France. However, a quiet renaissance in the French countryside is a hidden gem for those in search of something more authentic and picturesque.
Among the lesser-known treasures of France’s rural escape is Noyers-sur-Serein, a fortified medieval village nestled in the heart of Burgundy. This village, listed as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (or The Most Beautiful Places in France), looks more like a time capsule than a modern tourist destination. Its charm lies in its well-preserved buildings, some of which date back to the 14th and 15th centuries.
The Musée de la Maison à Colombages—or Half-Timbered House Museum—is a museum dedicated to the region’s traditional building techniques for distinctive half-timbered houses, showcasing local craftsmanship and materials.
Maryanne Sparkes, a French river cruise specialist at European Waterways, explained that the village’s undeniable appeal stems from its resemblance to something out of fairytales rather than real life.
She said: “Noyers-sur-Serein is straight out of a real-life history book. With cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses built on stone archways, walking here feels like you’ve stepped onto the set of a historical film.”
From the stone archways of medieval fortifications and the peaceful banks of the Serein River, to the charming Romanesque churches, every corner is infused with a history that began with its foundation by the king of the Sequani Gaul tribe just before the Roman conquest.
Noyers-sur-Serein is surrounded by medieval ramparts and defensive towers that are still intact. Walking along these fortifications is a great way to take in the stunning panoramic views of the village and the surrounding countryside.
Despite its historic recognition, however, Noyers-sur-Serein somehow remains blissfully off the radar for international tourists.
This makes it an ideal destination for those wanting to escape the crowds without compromising on the fairy-tale atmosphere that often draws visitors to the more famous spots.